Brawn to be wild: how American V8s ruled Goodwood

July 8, 2019

If you’re expecting nothing but muscle cars here, you’re in for a shock. When it comes to performance and racing cars, powerful V8s from the Land of the Free make for a popular choice, used in cars of all shapes and sizes at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019. Here are some highlights.

Nissan GT-R

We begin with the beguiling Irish drifter who goes by the name of ‘Baggsy’. While his wheels of choice resemble the very-Japanese Nissan GT-R, he only needs to fire it up for us to realise it’s had a heart transplant. How does 1,200hp of twin-turbo GM LSX V8 sound to you?

Ford Mustang GT500

Now here is some authentic American muscle, albeit with a splash of sophistication. Yes, it has over 750hp from a supercharged V8, but the Mustang GT500 also has a twin-clutch gearbox and clever aerodynamics. It’ll still rip fat elevens, though…

Ultima RS

Ultima’s new model is a sharp-looking update for 2019. The famous track supercar manufacturer has always been a fan of GM’s LS V8. This new car gets the latest supercharged LT4 lump from the Chevy Corvette Z06.

Penske PC22

What powers this Penske CART couldn’t be further from the LT4, but it’s still a Chevy V8. This turbocharged 2.6-litre unit screams to 14,000rpm. Famous drivers include Emerson Fittipaldi and Nigel Mansell. Even Ayrton Senna tested one.

Ford Mustang GTS 1

Mustangs are a common sight at the Festival of Speed, but no two are the same. This GTS 1 is a case in point. No, it’s not a NASCAR. It’s an IMSA racer in GTS 1, the successor to the famous GTO class. The road-going variants of the fourth-generation Mustang aren’t best-loved, but this is an absolute weapon.

Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk

The Jeep Trackhawk is one of the most powerful SUVs you can buy. This Cherokee truck features the supercharged 710hp V8 from the Challenger Hellcat. Because that’s exactly what a family 4×4 needed.

March-Chevrolet 707

Can-Am racing no longer exists. The cars were too powerful (a Porsche reached 1,500hp), too fast and it was cancelled over safety fears. This is a March-Chevrolet 707 Can-Am car uses a big-block Chevy V8.

Holden Commodore VL SS

The Aussies are well-known V8 lovers and Holdens have been putting Chevy V8s to good work for years. This one is a 1980s Commodore racer and doesn’t it just look the business?

De Tomaso Pantera

Back in the supercar-sphere, a timeless model from a name that’s only now coming back from the dead. The De Tomaso Pantera pairs a meaty American V8 with Italian supercar wedge design. It’s still the pinnacle pin-up for some.

McLaren M8D

The McLaren M8D is perhaps the most famous of the Chevy V8-powered Can-Am cars, not least because Bruce McLaren sadly died in an M8D just a few miles up the road at the Goodwood motor circuit in 1970.

Buick Regal NASCAR

It wouldn’t be an American V8 list if there wasn’t some NASCAR goodness, would it? And they don’t get much cooler than an ex-Richard Petty Buick Regal, driven by Petty himself at the Festival of Speed.

Twisted Land Rover Defender

Another V8 hiding in plain sight is this Defender, modified by Twisted. Under the bonnet, in place of an old Ford Transit diesel engine, is a Chevrolet LS V8.

March-Chevrolet 717

Because Can-Am. Here’s another big block monster and the successor to the 707. These things never fail to drop jaws when roaring up the hill at Goodwood.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR

In the NASCAR class, the Monte Carlo comes second only to Petty’s Regal for coolness. It’s an awesome throwback to the 1990s – this car is now 20 years old.

Ford Mustang RTR

We end as we began, with a rip-snorting drift car. The Mustang RTR takes the pony’s V8 to roaring new levels. Vaughn Gittin Jr, your car is absolutely terrifying, but we love it.

Kia joins the fight against keyless car theft

July 8, 2019

Kia is the latest manufacturer to fight back against keyless car theft with the launch of a new Faraday case.

The KiaSafe case is available for customers that purchase a new or used Kia model, and is just one of a number of solutions in development at the Korean giant.

Keyless car theft has been described as an “epidemic” by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, and a reason why the number of insurance claims for car thefts had risen by 12 percent to 56,000 in 2018 compared with 2017.

Also known as a ‘relay attack’, two thieves work together to steal a vehicle using electronic relay devices, usually from outside the motorist’s home.

‘Safe from hacking’

David Hart, customer experience manager at Kia Motors UK said: “The security of our customers’ vehicles comes second only to safety and we are as concerned about the hacking of keyless entry systems as customers, the police and the insurance industry.

“Whilst our current keyless entry systems do not have UWB or “sleep” buttons our engineers are developing additional levels of protection for future vehicles and these will be applied as soon as is feasible given production schedules and new model introductions.

“We encourage owners to adopt protection behaviours as advised by the Police – such as not leaving keyless entry fobs in the front door lock of their home or close to windows – and to use the KiaSafe to ensure their key fobs are rendered safe from hacking.”

The KiaSafe Faraday case is available from participating dealers during the handover process and is also available to purchase from dealers for £9.99 which means existing owners can also benefit.

There are a number of ways to avoid being a victim of keyless car theft, such as placing your car keys in a microwave or fridge, or using a humble steering wheel lock.

Video gamers rate themselves as the best drivers

John Redfern

July 8, 2019

A survey of British drivers has found that 33 percent believe playing racing games is likely to make people act more dangerously behind the wheel.

The data came from a survey undertaken by Carwow, who asked drivers about their video gaming habits and motoring abilities.

A substantial 58 percent of those asked said they had played racing games, with 8 percent playing between two and three times each week.

A hardcore 4 percent of respondents said they go virtual racing every single day.

Virtual insanity

When rating their real-world driving ability, these daily players gave themselves an average high score of 8.7 out of 10.

In comparison, non-gamer drivers across the UK rate themselves 7.84 out of 10, with those in the North East scoring themselves the best with at 8.31 out of 10. Motorists in Northern Ireland only ranked themselves 7.65 out of 10.

Despite the self-confidence, 26 percent of daily gamers admitted to having two or more speeding convictions. In contrast, only 17 percent of those who never played racing games owned up to the same.

A worrying 37 percent of those who played daily said they had been two or more accidents on the road.

Don’t try this at home

Most modern video games now include explicit disclaimers for players not to try and recreate what they see on-screen in real life. However, this did not stop more than one in five (22 percent) of respondents claiming to have copied a move from a racing game in real life.

More concerning what the fact so many gamers felt happy to take things to the street, despite 59 percent of those asked believing games create unrealistic expectations of driving.

As a result, more than half (54 percent) felt the creators of games franchises like Forza and Gran Turismo should place greater emphasis on the dangers of driving.

Although the ‘real airbag deployment simulator’ tagline doesn’t really sound much fun.

Digital crossroads

Racing games have become big business, with developers and car manufacturers working together to promote their products.

Ford used the Forza Horizon 4 game to reveal the Ranger Raptor, whilst Mazda used an earlier version of the Forza franchise to let fans try the latest MX-5.

Earlier this year, Tesla added a range of classic Atari arcade games to its cars software.

Mercedes-Benz has also asked designers to create games which could be played with the controls inside a car. The aim being to occupy passengers when self-driving cars become more prevalent.

Two-thirds of Brits think you drive ON THE LEFT in France and Spain

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 6, 2019

Two-thirds of Brits think you drive ON THE LEFT in France and Spain

A staggering 62 percent of British motorists surveyed in a study believe you drive ON THE LEFT in France and Spain.

That’s according to a survey of 1,253 drivers carried out by insurance company By Miles, with two-thirds of motorists blissfully unaware that you drive on the right having left the ferry port or Channel Tunnel. Time to stick a Post-it reminder on the dashboard?

Only a fifth (22 percent) realise that drivers in France must carry a breathalyser with them at all times. The breathalyser must be unused, carry the NF certification mark and be in date.

Meanwhile, 91 percent of drivers are unaware that Spanish authorities can fine you €200 (£180) for driving without a shirt on. Driving with your arm hanging out of the window or with excessively high music could also lead to a chat with the authorities, along with wearing flip flops.

Has escuchado alguna canción 🎶🎵 del grupo "No me pises 👣 que llevo CHANCLAS", seguro que si.

Pues, quédate con este estribillo: "No le pises 🎛 que llevas CHANCLAS".

Si lo haces pueden denunciarte por no ser capaz de mantener la libertad de movimientos.#ViajeSeguro pic.twitter.com/bSJcJZ4Yaz

— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) June 17, 2018

‘Swot up on local driving laws’

Woman driving in flip flops

You might think that driving on the right is obvious, but other country-specific laws might be less apparent. Be sure to research the rules and regulations of each country you’re visiting this summer.

James Blackham, the co-founder of By Miles, said, “Holidaymakers planning on driving to Europe this summer must take the time to swot up on local driving laws or risk facing fines. Little-known rules can often catch drivers out.

“For example, in France, you must carry a breathalyser with you at all times, and in Spain, if caught driving without a top on you can be fined €200!

“However, every road-tripper can protect themselves by following a few simple steps before setting off. Don’t presume your insurer automatically gives you the same full cover you have at home when you’re driving in Europe. Give them a ring to make sure you have the same level of cover – some drop to third party cover only once outside the UK.

“While you’re on the phone, check your annual mileage cap too. While Europe doesn’t seem all that far away, an unusually long road trip means some risk clocking up too many miles on the journey and invalidating their insurance policies as a result.”

Advice for driving abroad this summer

Driving in Spain

By Miles has the following advice for motorists driving abroad this summer:

Carry a breathalyser: you must carry a breathalyser, warning triangle and high-visibility vest in France.
Keep your shirt on: drivers should avoid taking their shirt off or wearing flip flops behind the wheel in Spain
Check your vehicle is covered: make sure you have European insurance cover when travelling abroad.
Monitor your mileage: check that you won’t exceed your mileage limit when abroad.
Drink-driving: check the country-specific drink-driving laws before consuming any alcohol.

The cars petrolheads drive to Goodwood 2019

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 6, 2019

In the same way you’d always find Jona Lewie in the kitchen at parties, you’ll always find Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock in the car park at motoring events. The man who never sleeps is at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, from where he has supplied these photos. Brace yourself, because we’re going in. But not until Richard has finished wandering around the car park.

Ferrari 458 Italia

We start with the Goodwood Fezza of Speed: a 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia. Powered by a 4.5-litre V8 producing 570hp at a dizzying 9,000rpm, we suspect it lives up to its number plate.

Ford Focus RS

Not one but two Ford Focus RS, one of them equipped with the Mountune pack for even more punch. There are many more RS Foci here at Goodwood too: it’s a bit of an emerging cult car, this fast Ford…

Lotus Evora GT430

Lotus will reveal the Evija electric hypercar at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, but in the meantime, here’s a car Hethel made earlier. The Evora GT430 was a watershed moment for the brand, being the first road-going Lotus to sell for more than £100,000.

Ford Fiesta Zetec

Forget the Festival of Speed, we want to see the Fiesta of Speed. A Fiesta ST would be preferable, but a 1.2-litre Fiesta Zetec is a lot of fun.

Lamborghini Urus

Last year, Richard drove a Lamborghini Urus up the famous Goodwood hillclimb course. He said it was “pleasingly responsible” and “a lot lighter and tighter on its feet” than he was expecting.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso

For Richard, this must have been like meeting up with an old friend, as he drove the Ferrari GTC4Lusso for Motoring Research in 2016. He called the 6.3-litre V12 supercar a “very rewarding ownership proposition”.

Ariel Nomad

If the Festival of Speed’s notorious traffic jams become too much, the Ariel Nomad is your passport to arriving and leaving as the crow flies. Just remember to seek permission from the Duke formerly known as Lord March.

BMW i8

Fast-forward 20 years, and we reckon the Goodwood Festival of Speed car park will feature a high proportion of electrified vehicles. And cars with internal combustion engines might be a novelty act on the hillclimb.

BMW Z3 M Coupe

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily ‘breadvan’.

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley launched the Bentayga diesel in 2016 before dropping it from the European range in 2018. The company blamed “political legislative conditions” and a “shift in attitude towards diesel-powered cars”.

Ford Escort RS Turbo

If the sight of the Bentayga is enough to see you reaching for the eye bleach, this Ford Focus RS Turbo should be a welcome tonic. Launched in 1984, the vast majority of S1 cars were finished in 80s-tastic Diamond White, although a few, most notably Lady Di’s black number, were supplied in different colours.

McLaren 720S

Our resident wizard wordsmith and good egg Tim Pitt is a fan of the McLaren 720S. He labelled the 720hp supercar “a furious force of nature” and the “epitome of tech-led, wildcard cool”.

Audi S5

The Clio Williams and Subaru Impreza WRX are two cars that manage to rock the gold wheels look. Can an Audi S5 with gold Bentley rims pull it off? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.

Porsche 944

Displaying some patina – and looking all the better for it – this Porsche 944 refuses to be overshadowed by its neighbours in the Festival of Speed car park.

Jaguar F-Type R

Thanks to its 550hp 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine, the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe can sprint to 62mph in 4.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of 186mph. As this photo proves, orange is better than white.

De Tomaso Pantera

Few cars pack as much visual punch as the De Tomaso Pantera. Thanks to a mid-mounted Ford-sourced 5.8-litre V8 engine, there’s plenty of performance punch, too.

Lotus Europa

Is this the coolest car in the Goodwood car park? We think so. Well done, Richard, with this slice of Europa exotica you’re really spoiling us. Treat yourself to an expensive and sustainably-sourced burger.

McLaren MP4-12C

We thought ‘BOSS’ number plates were the preserve of German SUVs, but this McLaren MP14-12C would suggest we were wrong.

Red cars are faster

If this trio of German redheads has whetted your appetite for more Goodwood content, keep an eye on Motoring Research for the latest news and views from Richard, Ethan and Bradley. Also, keep clicking for more car park spots.

Litter louts leave 10 tonnes of rubbish on A30 in Cornwall

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 5, 2019

As Cornwall braces itself for an influx of holidaymakers, the local council is urging visitors to take their rubbish home.

The county attracts around 4.5 million staying visitors every year, but while the vast majority wouldn’t dream of littering the countryside, some are less considerate.

Every year, Cornwall Council’s waste collection service Biffa collects 10 tonnes of litter from the roadsides and verges along the A30 – the main route for tourists.

Fast food packaging, takeaway cups and plastic bottles are the most common items found by the refuse teams, but a toilet, cooker and part of a boat are some of the bizarre items that have been dumped on the A30.

This suggests that locals are as much to blame for the litter as the tourists who flock to Cornwall’s sandy beaches and coastal attractions

‘Take your rubbish home’

Cabinet portfolio holder for environment and public protection, Sue James, said: “While the majority of people act responsibly and help keep our roadsides clear of litter, it is hard to understand the mentality of people throwing rubbish from their cars while travelling through such beautiful countryside.

“Not only is it an eyesore and damaging to wildlife it means our waste collection team are having to collect litter alongside a road where drivers are travelling at speeds of 70mph. It also costs money that could be spent elsewhere.

“Please just take your rubbish home and keep our countryside looking beautiful.”

Dropping litter is a criminal offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 19, and drivers can be fined £150 for throwing rubbish from a car window or dumping it in a lay-by, or up to £2,500 if the case goes to court.

The message is simple: keep Cornwall today by binning your rubbish or taking it home. If you spot somebody littering, report it to Cornwall Council.

Aston Martin DBR1: The story of the Goodwood monument star

Ethan Jupp

July 5, 2019

Traditionally, the central feature at the Goodwood Festival of Speed includes several cars. They’re invariably cherry-picked road and or racing icons from a chosen marque’s history.

Not so this year with Aston Martin, as a lone DBR1 takes to the swooping structure.

So it should, too, as it marks 60 years since Aston made its own motorsport history at Goodwood. In 1959, the marque secured the World Sportscar Championship with victory at Goodwood’s RAC Tourist Trophy (following victory at Le Mans).

And it did so with the DBR1.

Stirling Moss took victory honours, but only after swapping cars due to his first car catching ablaze in the pits.

The DBR1’s domination was undeniable. It secured both first and second places, finishing 25 laps ahead of the closest pursuing Ferrari. The lead car was famously piloted by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori. This was before Caroll got into squeezing big V8s into AC sports cars.

It was 10 years before that, in 1949, that Aston Martin first competed at Goodwood with the DB3S,. The company recently marked the 1959 win with a new DBS 59 edition.

This certainly feels like an apt year to be celebrating momentous moments in Aston Martin’s motorsport history. Especially given the breadth of its ambitions for the future.

The new Vantage GTE has had a rocky but promising start, rolling in the tyre tracks of a class-winning predecessor. It’s a sobering irony, though, that Ferrari took class honours at Le Mans this year, following the Aston having its performance slashed by regulators.

Perhaps the most exciting news, however, is that Aston is going to be campaigning Valkyrie V12 hypercars at Le Mans in 2021 under the new rules.

As Aston Martin’s racing history is celebrated this weekend at Goodwood, we all look forward to the marque bringing a V12 – the most traditional and evocative of powerplants – back to Le Mans.

Electric Jaguar XJ to be built in Birmingham

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 5, 2019

In a boost for the British car industry, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced plans to build a range of electrified cars at its Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham.

A new electric Jaguar XJ will be the first car to roll out of the plant, as JLR confirms its commitment to offer electrified options for all new models from 2020.

Production of the current XJ luxury saloon has come to an end, with the new electric version benefiting from the firm’s experience in creating the Jaguar I-Pace SUV.

The next-generation electric XJ is expected to arrive next year, but Jaguar hasn’t confirmed specifications or prices. The outgoing Jaguar XJ costs upwards of £62,400, while the I-Pace will set you back at least £64,500. A starting price in the region of £65,000 to £70,000 would be realistic for the all-electric XJ.

The news safeguards around 2,700 jobs and follows the announcement in January that its new battery making facilities would be located in the Midlands. The battery assembly centre at Hams Hall will be the ‘most innovative and technologically advanced in the UK,’ says the company.

‘Powerhouse of electrification’

Prof. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: “The future of mobility is electric and, as a visionary British company, we are committed to making our next generation of zero-emission vehicles in the UK.

“We are co-locating our electric vehicle manufacture, electronic drive units and battery assembly to create a powerhouse of electrification in the Midlands.”

‘Charging should be as easy as re-fuelling’

Prof. Speth warned of challenges ahead as the country gears up for an electrified future. “Convenience and affordability are the two key enablers to drive the uptake of electric vehicles to the levels that we all need. Charging should be as easy as re-fuelling a conventional vehicle.

“Affordability will only be achieved if we make batteries here in the UK, close to vehicle production, to avoid the cost and safety risk of importing from abroad.

“The UK has the raw materials, scientific research in our universities and an existing supplier base to put the UK at the leading edge of mobility and job creation.”

Urus SUV helps DOUBLE Lamborghini sales in a year

John Redfern

July 5, 2019

Lamborghini has set an all-time sales record for the first half of 2019, delivering 4,553 cars.

Covering the period from January 1 to June 30 2019, the company has seen a staggering 96 percent increase versus to the same period in 2018.

The number of cars supplied so far this year has already surpassed all deliveries made in 2017, and is already closing in on the 5,750 units sold in the whole of 2018.

SUVs are the future

Unsurprisingly, the Urus super-SUV has accounted for a substantial proportion of those increased sales. So far during 2019, some 2,693 examples of the controversial off-roader have been delivered to customers.

It shows that while the idea of a Lamborghini SUV may upset brand purists, it will undoubtedly aid the long-term financial future of the company. The Cayenne and Macan models at Porsche are testimony to the appetite for hot SUVs.

The Huracan has seen deliveries totalling 1,211 in 2019, which included early versions of the new Evo. Classic V12 power in the form of the Aventador also accounted for 649 new customers.

Supercars are still selling

Continuing an established trend, the USA remained the largest single market for Lamborghini sales. Despite concerns about the overall car market, China was the second largest customer, with the United Kingdom in third.

Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, commented: “Lamborghini continues to be in consistently good shape. Delivering another new all-time high, for the fifth consecutive half-year, confirms the sustainability of our brand, product and commercial strategy.

Our highly acclaimed super SUV Urus in its first full year of production brings further growth in new dimensions, and our super sports cars also delivered excellent results.”

Paint it any shade you like

The Urus SUV is so key to the future of Lamborghini that the company has built an all-new paint shop at the Sant’Agata factory for it.

As part of the ‘Ad Personam’ offering, buyers can create their own unique shade of paint for their Lamborghini, along with custom graphics.

Lamborghini has invested heavily in new technology, with the paint shop employing artificial intelligence to speed up processes and increase efficiency. And the company has increased its workforce by more than 10 percent since 2017 to cope with the heightened demand.

Current trends suggest the new employees will be kept very busy in the near future.

The best new cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019

Ethan Jupp

July 4, 2019

Land Rover Defender The Goodwood Festival of Speed is fast becoming the UK’s most important motor show, albeit with a difference. Here, you get to see new cars in action – and driving flat-out.

Read on for our pick of the best new metal at Goodwood 2019.

Ford GT MkII

As if the modern day homologation special that is the Ford GT needed more track-attacking attitude. The be-winged MkII brings it tantalisingly close to the GTE-spec Le Mans racer.

Porsche Cayman GT4

The return of what many believe to be the ultimate modern Porsche sports car. The new GT4 uses a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated version of the engine you’ll find in the new 911 Carrera S. It revs to 8,000rpm and, yes, it has a manual gearbox only.

Aston Martin DBX prototype

Aston Martin’s SUV has been a long time coming and it’s still not quite ready. However, it’s on show at Goodwood in prototype form (well, something had to balance out the 11,000rpm V12 hypercars). What we’ve seen so far of the DBX looks impressive. It’s a sports utility vehicle with the emphasis on ‘sports’.

McLaren Senna GTR

‘Normal’ McLaren Senna not quite enough? Then you need a GTR, which takes track performance to another level. It isn’t road-legal, however, so banish any thoughts of driving one to McDonald’s. We love that mad rear wing. Ford GT MkII track-only supercar at Goodwood

Ferrari P80/C

Ferrari’s latest one-off creation is a track-prepped special based on a racing car; underneath that crazy body is the blood and guts of a 488 GT3. In spite of the aggressive aero, it takes inspiration from two classics: the Dino 204 and 330 P3/4. Big tyre-tracks to follow…

Mercedes-AMG A45 S

The hyper hatch wars rage on, as Mercedes-AMG debuts the latest, greatest and most monstrously powerful example yet. It’s the A45 S and it packs 421hp: only 24hp short of the new Porsche 911 Carrera S. It’ll chase the new 911 down on a back road, too, with four-wheel-drive to transfer all that grunt to the ground.

Aston Martin Vantage AMR

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has said he wants to be the last sports car manufacturer to offer a manual transmission. The hardcore Vantage AMR is the first step toward that, swapping the eight-speed auto for a stick and three pedals.

Land Rover Defender prototype

To say that this is the most important Land Rover of the decade might be an understatement. The new Defender has big boots to fill. Given this prototype has been around the world testing in the harshest of environments, it’s looking good so far.

Mini JCW GP

The coolest modern Minis are always the mad GP versions they make to send off outgoing models with a bang. The new GP should have more power than ever, with upwards of 300hp and meaningful downforce from a new body kit. It’s no family hatch, either: the back seats are whipped out in favour of a brace bar for added stiffness.

Aston Martin Rapide E

It’s a brave new world, as Aston Martin ditches its V12 for a bank of batteries. The limited-run Rapide E will serve as a test-bed for electric tech that will eventually find its way into future Lagonda luxury EVs.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Lamborghini’s Aventador SVJ is the swansong for its flagship V12 supercar. Packing clever aerodynamics and a 760hp V12, we reckon it’s thoroughly deserving of the iconic ‘Jota’ nameplate.

Honda e

One of the hottest cars of the moment is a tiny EV from Japan. Honda wants the e to be ‘the iPhone of cars’. If you like what you see at Goodwood, you can reserve one for just £800 (fully refundable).

Ford Mustang GT500

Ford’s pony car gets more than 760hp of supercharged muscle for 2020. It’s not all about straight-ahead speed, though. A dual-clutch gearbox adds some sophistication, while aggressive bodywork and a rear wing serve up real downforce.

Morgan Plus Six

Morgan is going through a rebirth at the minute. The Plus Six is the beginning of that process, debuting a new aluminium structure and BMW-sourced twin-turbo straight-six engine. If it drives as well as the old Plus 8 sounds, we’ll be able to forgive the loss of the V8…

Porsche 935

Porsche pays tribute to the original box-arched 935 racer with this track-only modern interpretation, based on the outgoing 911 GT2 RS. The new 935 specifically references the ‘Moby Dick’ variant, with its elongated rear end that you can peer into.

BMW M8 Competition

It’s the 8 Series we’ve all been waiting for. The M8 Competition is finally here, and it’s the most powerful car BMW has ever made, with 625hp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. It keeps that in check with four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive. No wonder it costs £123,000.

Ferrari Monza SP2

One of the more subtle and stylised Ferrari specials, the SP1 and SP2 pay homage to the Barchettas of the 1950s. Sumptuous leather and a tiny windscreen offer the authentic retro racer experience. As the names suggest, the SP2 is the one you want for passenger rides.

Ford Fiesta ST Ford Performance Edition

Ford’s award-winning hot hatch gets a splash of orange paint and some hardcore goodies in the new limited edition ‘Ford Performance Edition’ trim. These include coilover suspension and snazzy new wheels.

Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley’s more sporting four-door luxury car is the final Continental body style to debut. The Flying Spur has always been a swift and handsome underdog. If an Audi S8 is a bit too German, this could float your yacht.

Ferrari SP3/JC

The Ferrari SP3/JC is a one-off that’s as close to an F12 TdF convertible as we’ll ever get. Designed to hark back to the V12-engined Spiders of the 1950s and 60s, there’s nowhere to hide from that screaming V12 under the bonnet.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Touring

Jaguar’s snarling skunkworks special has been toned down in Touring specification, albeit not much. Without a wing, you might not spot it coming, but you’ll certainly hear it. There’s no taming a near-600hp supercharged V8.

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography

If a new Defender isn’t quite ‘Premier League’ enough, try the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. V8 power regresses this ultra-modern SUV into a gurgling supercharged super-truck. It’s a ‘yes’ from us.

Maserati Levante Trofeo

Ever since the Levante debuted we’ve all been waiting for some classic Maserati V8 power. Finally, the Levante Trofeo delivers it. With a 3.8-litre 580hp twin-turbo V8, it should keep any Land Rover with an ‘SV’ badge honest.

Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro

Taking the AMG GT R closer to its GT3 racer cousin is the Pro version. It does so with more downforce, wheel arch vents, lurid stripes and a bit of weight loss. Think Porsche 911 GT3 to GT3 RS and you’re pretty much there. It’s pricey, though, starting from £186,000.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe

Porsche has come full circle, with a coupe based on the SUV that it started selling alongside its coupes. The Cayenne Turbo Coupe is a V8-engined answer to BMW’s X6M and Mercedes-AMG’s GLE 63 Coupe.

De Tomaso P72

Beloved Italian marque and maker of the Pantera, De Tomaso is back with this stunning retro-styled supercar. The P72 borrows a carbon tub from Apollo and has a manual gearbox. It could be the most beautiful new car at the 2019 Festival of Speed.

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